Turning Chattanooga into CATanooga

The Cat Clinic Team

My name is Jesse the Wonder Cat. I was born and raised here in Chattanooga. At the young age of just 6 weeks old, I was homeless, injured, and living on the streets. Someone picked me up and took me to the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga. Not only did they give me a home, they hired me on as Chief Morale Officer! I didn’t have any job experience prior to that, but they didn’t even have to train me. I just knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face that I meet. It’s a tough job getting pets, snuggles, hugs, and treats all day every day, but I’m strong and I can handle it!

Jesse, Chief Morale Officer

Dr. Marcia Toumayan, Veterinarian

I was born and grew up in Chattanooga but moved away for many years after finishing college. Following graduation from veterinary school at the University of Georgia, I fell in love with feline-exclusive practice while practicing at a cats-only clinic in Charlotte, NC. After returning home to Chattanooga, I founded the Cat Clinic in order to continue working with the cats I love.

Laura Beard, Practice Co-Manager

I feel very lucky to have found the Cat Clinic. I have had cats my whole life and have a great love of them. Right now there are three cats, George, Molly, and Alex, that rule my house over myself, spouse, daughter, and dog. My one and a half year old daughter's first word was actually cat!! I couldn't be happier to work with this wonderful staff and greet all the kitties that come to visit us.

Jennifer Allen, Practice Co-Manager

Although I’ve been a pet owner my whole life, I had never had a cat until a few years ago. I fell in love immediately, and now own more than I probably should. I was living in North Chattanooga during the time the Cat Clinic was being built, and knew that this would be the place I would go for veterinary care for my cats. I worked at the Chattanooga Zoo before I came to the Cat Clinic, and when the time came for me to leave the Zoo, I knew where I wanted to work.

I love working at the Cat Clinic, and hope to stay here for a very long time.

Born in California, raised in Nashville, and a Chattanoogan for the last ten years, no matter where I lived, I’ve always been an animal lover. Steve Irwin was my idol growing up and I always had a critter or two crawling out of my pockets. My husband and I have two furbabies; a collie, Torin, and a cat, Rascal, who give us plenty of entertainment at home. I was a client for several years and always appreciated the care Dr. Toumayan and Cat Clinic staff gave Rascal, so when I was leaving my previous job with a bank and they asked me to join their team, I knew the decision was the right one. I have loved working with everyone here and being surrounded by cats all day creates the perfect work environment. I am so thankful to be a part of such an awesome team who love what they do, and how we get to help cats every day!

Christina Davis, Front Desk Receptionist

Shannah Hattaway, Kennel Staff

I’m a student at UTC majoring in Biology with a focus on marine conservation and wildlife. I originally interned at the clinic but was asked to come back as kennel staff. I have worked at the Cat Clinic for over a year and love it here! I used to be more of a dog person before coming to the clinic but have realized how great cats are! I have learned many things from my time here and look forward to working with new patients. Know when you bring your cat to stay here at the clinic that they’re in good hands. Taking care of cats is my job but loving cats is what I do best!

I have loved the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga since I walked through the door as a client in May 2009. I was so excited to find a cat only clinic! And now I am thrilled to now be employed here! I cannot remember a time in my life that there was not a cat in my home. I currently have 7 cats in my household and they are all amazing. I have a huge place in my heart for special needs cats and currently have two that are “handicapable”.

I am a native Chattanoogan and proud that our city is so pet friendly. This is great and fun place to live. Although it was a lifelong dream of mine to work with animals, I have only been in animal care since March 2016. Before coming here, I was a Cat Caretaker at McKamey Animal Center where I learned so much about cats. The staff here at the Cat Clinic is pawsome and I hope to be here for many years to come.

Angela Card, Front Desk Receptionist

I love cats and working at the Cat Clinic is wonderful. I started out working at the Cat Clinic as a volunteer and was delighted when I was given the opportunity to become a member of the team. Being able to work around cats is a truly exceptional experience. I am a proud cat owner myself of Thor the Norse Kitty.